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07/12/2006: "Remove artificial state boundaries: UNC Newmai News Network"

Remove artificial state boundaries: UNC Newmai News Network Kohima
The United Naga Council (UNC) said that the Nagas are today scattered and placed in the states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland within India and Burma and it has been the aspiration of the Nagas no matter where they are, to live as one people under one political roof by the removal of all artificial state boundaries imposed on them. The United Naga Council (UNC) while issuing this statement to Newmai News Network from New Delhi said that it had persistently carried forward the aspiration of the Naga people living in the present state of Manipur in solidarity with the Nagas located in other states.
“The unification/integration of Naga areas therefore simply means, the removal of all artificial state boundaries that were imposed on the Naga people by the state without the free, prior and informed consent of the Naga people”, stated the UNC statement signed by its president KS Paul Leo and its general secretary Azang Longmei which added that unification/integration of Naga areas does not seek to disintegrate or encroach on other people’s land, neither is it integration to the present Nagaland state.
The UNC then stated that the Nagas are encouraged by the fact that historical facts do not deny the statement and “we are ready to help in a peaceful resolution of the issue nevertheless; we are also prepared to go at any length to prove our position”.
In view of the Naga People’s convention’s (NPC) resolutions of August 8 and 9 in the year 2001 and November 4, 2005 to further launch a non-cooperation and civil disobedience movements against the Government of Manipur, urged the Government of India (GOI) to demonstrate their political will to resolve the Indo-Naga issue by carrying forward the peace-process to an acceptable and honourable settlement at all cost.
An eleven member delegation of the United Naga Council (UNC) representing the Nagas from the present state of Manipur have come to Delhi June 18 this year on behalf of the Naga people to handover the Manipur Hill House Tax for the year 2006 of 94894 households to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) as per the Naga People’s Convention (NPC) Resolutions dated 4th November 2005,claimed the UNC statement.
“This is a part of our resolution taken on the 4th of November 2005 to take five immediate steps, which include the, payment of Hill house tax directly to Delhi or to Kohima,” said the UNC.
The UNC also said that the demand for unification of all Naga homeland was clearly demonstrated by the chiefs/chairman/headman of Naga villages in the present state of Manipur by the ‘Declarations and Memorandum’ already submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on December 12, 2005 at New Delhi, endorsing in no uncertain terms that any honourable solution to the Naga peace process must begin with the unification of the Naga areas.
The UNC disclosed that its delegations had met the Indian leaders and conveyed our views that the issue we have brought to Delhi is an expression of our aspiration and to strengthen the ongoing peace process between the GOI and the Nagas.
The delegation includes representatives of Nagas from the present state of Manipur i.e. Hunphun (Ukhrul), Inriangluang (Tamenglong), Chamdil (Chandel) and Tahamzam (Senapati) districts, as well as 27 villages of Henglep Sub-division of Churanchandpur district,said the UNC.
Firing near Rio’s residence; NSCN (K) cadres arrested Report of attack on Nagaland CM’s house Te Morung Express
KOHIMA, July 11 (MExN): Five cadres reportedly belonging to the NSCN (K) faction today fired near the residence of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and Speaker Nagaland Legislative Assembly Kiyenilie Pesieye’s here at around 4:30- 5 pm early this evening. The NSCN (K) cadres were believed to have opened fired after sighting some of their rival cadres at the area. Chief Minister and the Speaker were not at their official residence at the time of the shoot-out.
The Kohima Police personnel responded to the situation and arrested all the cadres belonging to NSCN (K) from a taxi at Mhonkola area, Kohima, which the cadres boarded after the shoot-out. Arms and ammunitions were also seized from their possession, police sources added.
There were also slightly different versions with a source from the intelligence pointing out that Tuesday’s incident in Kohima was as a result of armed confrontation between the NSCN rivals and that the incident which occurred at around 5: 15 pm took place near the exit gate of the Nagaland Speaker’s official residence. It may be mentioned that the Speaker’s residence is above the Chief Minister’s residence.
Further, according to the source, it was the NSCN (IM) cadres who fired five to six rounds while confronting a group of NSCN (K) cadres traveling in a Maruti Alto Taxi. Police later arrested all the NSCN (K) cadres numbering around six including the Kohima Town Commander of NSCN (K).
Meanwhile, UNI news agency reported that “suspected Naga militants attacked the official residence of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio but could not cause much damage”.
Further quoting official sources in Kohima, the UNI reported that “the suspected militants fired seven rounds at Mr Rio’s residence and escaped before the guards could react.
No compromise on Naga unification : UNC Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Kohima, Jul 11: The United Naga Council (UNC) has said that the Nagas are today scattered and placed in the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland within India and Burma and it has been the aspiration of the Nagas no matter where they are, to live as one people under one political roof by removing all artificial State boundaries imposed on them.

The United Naga Council (UNC) while issuing this statement to Newmai News Network from New Delhi said that it had persistently carried forward the aspiration of the Naga people living in the present State of Manipur in solidarity with the Nagas located in other States.

"The unification/integration of Naga areas therefore simply means, the removal of all artificial State boundaries that were imposed on the Naga people by the State without the free, prior and informed consent of the Naga people", said the statement signed by its president KS Paul Leo and its general secretary Azang Longmei and added that unification/integration of Naga areas does not seek to disintegrate or encroach on other people's land, neither is it integration to the present Nagaland State.The UNC then stated that the Nagas are encouraged by the fact that historical facts do not deny our statement and "we are ready to help in a peaceful resolution of the issue; nevertheless we are also prepared to go to any length to prove our position".

In view of the Naga People's Convention's (NPC) resolutions of August 8 and 9 in the year 2001 and 4th of November 4, 2005 to further launch non-cooperation and civil disobedience movements against the Government of Manipur while urging, the Government of India (GOI) to demonstrate their political will to resolve the Indo-Naga issue by carrying forward the peace process to an acceptable and honourable settlement at all cost an eleven member delegation of the United Naga Council (UNC) representing the Nagas from the present State of Manipur have come to Delhi on June 18 this year on behalf of the Naga people to handover the Manipur Hill House Tax for the year 2006 of 94894 households to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) as per the Naga People's Convention (NPC) Resolutions dated 4th November 2005, claimed the UNC statement.
"This is a part of our resolution taken on the 4th of November 2005 to take five immediate steps, which include the, payment of Hill house tax directly to Delhi or to Kohima," said the statement further. It further stated that as part of the non-cooperation movement against the present non-cooperation movement against the present state of Manipur and demand for unification of all Naga homeland, the All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM) is seeking affiliation of private schools and colleges in Naga areas of Manipur to the board and university of Nagaland state. In this regard ANSAM has decisively surrendered the prescribe textbooks of Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BSEM) beginning from VIII X in the first phase.

All together 156 private schools and colleges have started introducing Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE) prescribe textbooks from the academic year 2006. A memorandum in this regard was submitted to HRD Minister by ANSAM, said the statement of the Naga body.

The UNC also said that the demand for unification of all Naga homeland was clearly demonstrated by the chiefs/chairman/headman of Naga villages in the present state of Manipur by the 'Declarations and Memorandum' already submitted to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on December 12, 2005 at New Delhi, endorsing in no uncertain terms that any honourable solution to the Naga peace process must begin with the unification of the Naga areas.

The UNC disclosed that its delegations had met the Indian leaders and conveyed our views that the issue we have brought to Delhi is an expression of our aspiration and to strengthen the ongoing peace process between the GOI and the Nagas. The delegation includes representatives of Nagas from the present state of Manipur i.e. Hunphun (Ukhrul), Inriangluang (Tamenglong), Chamdil (Chandel) and Tahamzam (Senapati) districts, as well as 27 villages of Henglep Sub-division of Churanchandpur district, said the UNC.
NSCN-K warns new Eastern movement Nagaland Post
DIMAPUR, JULY 11 (AGENCIES): The NSCN-K has asked the newly formed Naga Democratic Movement of Myanmar with its base at Dimapur, to refrain from anti-social or anti-Naga activities and to return to Eastern Nagaland, to work unitedly for the genuine aspiration (sovereignty) of the eastern people. NSCN-K kilonser Athrom Konyak in a press release alleged that the main objective of the movement led by one Noree was to collect money in the form of donations from well wishers and some "terrorist organizations", in exchange for passing out information to the "terrorists."
The NSCN-K kilonser said the eastern Nagas have all along blindly supported the Naga national movement since late forties, hoping for a miracle to change their lives through attainment of Naga sovereignty.
He also said the people of eastern Nagaland were ignorant of the movement's link with terrorists groups.
Accusing the Naga Democratic Movement of taking advantage of the ignorance of the eastern Nagas by falsely propagating themselves as serving in the interest of the eastern Nagas for selfish gains, Athrom said the movement signaled a "humiliation" for the eastern Nagas, since the movement was not concerned with ultimate cause and uplift of the eastern Nagas.
He said the NSCN-K "anticipates cooperation" from the Naga Democratic Movement after the latter has thoroughly studied the situation and ground reality.
The NSCN-K further warned that the movement led by Noree would be held responsible for any attempt to bring terror tactics causing unwanted situation and endangering innocent lives in Eastern Nagaland.
Appeal to authorities of Naga National Movement- Nagaland Post
Through your esteemed lo-cal daily, I the concerned citizen of Phek Village would like to make an appeal to the authorities of the Naga National Movement to kindly look into the grievances of the general public and do the needful for the community interest. Keeping a special focus to the existing situation prevailing in and around Phek Village and its neighboring villages, since the early months of this year, I had some genuine points to be clarified from the concerned authorities of the Naga Freedom Fighters which indeed creates a great confusion in the minds of the general public. That sir, with no gaining intention the cadres of the factions started interfering in the peaceful atmosphere of the villages by camping and moving in and around the villages with combat arms and uniforms which is a total violation of the mandate resolution of the Chakhesang Community. Camping in Public inhabited areas instead of staying in their own designated camps became their priority in the field of freedom struggle. Factional clashes in and around civilian places become the fashion of their day; creating 'Bad' ego in the minds of the people, damaging civil properties in the most unwanted ways, killing, injuring, harassing the innocent civilians was their 'Aims & Objectives' for the struggle of Naga Sovereignty.
Due to their baseless interference in the civilian areas, the ongoing Public busy summer works were being totally dis-turbed; fear psychosis was created in the minds of the people in almost all their walks of life. Extreme tension is being created to the civilians while in their days work and even in their sleep. The most disheartening is that, it disturbs the students' mentality in their academic pursues, who are considered as the future of our 'tomorrow'. Cancellation of students' examination was forcefully done due to their famous "Illegal Seek for Freedom" by exchanging of gunfire in the civil places. Despite, launching public agitations and several appeals made by the concerned citizens to stop bloodshed among the fellow brethrens in particular and to function peaceful atmosphere of the civilians in general, they only turned a deaf ear.
My sincere appeal is that if the Naga Sovereignty lies in the civil inhabited areas, the concerned authorities may chalk out an accurate proposals so as to bring out the early settlement of the Naga National cause instead of holding Peace Talks with the GOI. To my own observation, holding several talks or whatsoever in the higher level in one way and letting the general public suffer with high tension on the other won't come to the conclusion of mandate settlement of our National cause. My humble question is that, does the GOI consider us 'brave & courage' for killing our own brothers? Do they really honor us in the TALKS for all those unwanted activities? Does the GOI encourage us to kill our own brothers to the least in numbers so as to have a final Naga settlement or to unite as one for the same? If such points are tabled in the talks, I'll be pleased to know its outcome. I, as a citizen of Nagaland, really honour the real spirit of Naga Nationalism, however, factional clashes and fratricidal killings cannot be regarded as a struggle for the Naga Sovereignty.
It is my humble appeal to all the like minded Naga citizens to come forward with constructive suggestions so as to create a peaceful atmosphere in our society. Shedding own brothers’ blood is the only hindrance of our aspiration and not the way of fighting for the so called Naga Nationalism. If my write up hurt anybody’s sentiment, I beg an apology, however, if this could contribute even a little to the aspiration of our freedom struggle, I sincerely beg every indi-vidual(s), organizations to stand firm and join hands for our brighter tomorrow. Kuzhovesa Soho, Phek.
Now, a bazaar to promote Nagaland heritage By Apem Kamondong The Morung Express
Kohima July 11 (MExN): Nagaland is known for its rich cultural heritage with handloom and handicraft being an inherited part of the legacy. Recently a craft bazaar was organized in the state capital to promote the workmanship of artisans. Organized by the Nagaland Government and supported by the Central Textile Ministry the week-long event saw participation from different states of the Northeastern region. It was a bazaar to promote ‘tradition’.
The craft bazaar had forty-two stalls representing different states and cultures of the NE region, with women entrepreneurs ruling the roost. The crafts bazaar also expressed the coming together of the genders in the sphere of craftsmanship, hitherto a male-dominated area.
“These are all very good things. Usually these things are made by men, but these days even women are able to do all these things that women can do. That’s why I am happy,” said Ketou, a customer, taking a break from shopping. Relatively, the crafts will be centered as much on the global populace as for local connoisseurs. “We are trying to give importance to expose our traditional art and craft and weaves. Especially our craft and weaves not only to the rest of the country, but globally also,” according to N Hushili Sima, MD, Nagaland Handloom and Handicrafts.
The dresses, handicrafts and designs represented a tribe, a tradition and this uniqueness characterized the hallmark of the products of the NE region.
Octogenarian Kheheli Sema has been in this profession for the last six decades. The emerging market has given her the hope of better earning and expanding the reach of her products. Her art has won many national awards and now she wants to go global. “I started weaving from 1924. I am now eighty-six year old. I supply my products to different parts of the country and abroad also,” Y Khezheli Sema, herself a National Award Winner, said evidently satisfied with her efforts.
The uniqueness of this craft-fair was that the participation of women entrepreneurs, who are coming up in a big way in the world of business, is more pronounced. “I have been in this profession for a long time. These are hand-made products,” Rokovi, businesswomen says.
The craft bazaar provided a platform to the local artisans to showcase their creative products. Artisans also feel that such fairs are an attempt to market this uniqueness and identity of the region.
With the country’s growing proximity with the ASEAN nations, very soon products from India’s Northeast would be dotting and decorating the houses in Indonesia ,Thailand etc.
To promote easy access to the South East Asian countries, the Nagaland Government has started training youths in the language spoken in the ASEAN nations.
Condemnations galore over burning of BSEM prescribed text books AISF decries burning of BSEM text books By Our Staff Reporter Sangai Express
IMPHAL, Jul 11: Terming it as anti-State, All India Students’ Federation (AISF), Manipur State Council has strongly condemned the burning of text books prescribed by Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (BSEM) in the four Naga inhabited hill districts of Manipur yesterday.
The State Government should take up prompt action to contain such anti-State stand instead of maintaining a stoic silence, otherwise, the people of Manipur will not remain mere spectators if such text books burning spree continue, secretary of the student body Kh Inaobi said.
Addressing a press conference at Irabot Bhavan here this afternoon, Inaobi said yesterday’s incident of confiscation of text books prescribed by BSEM by ANSAM and some of its associated bodies and consigning them to flame should not be taken lightly. The people of Manipur as a whole should understand the meaning behind such an anti-State act and condemn it in the strongest term, he said.
Questioning how ANSAM and its associated bodies are thinking of achieving Naga unification by setting the text books on fire even if it is a part of the non-cooperation movement being launched in pursuit of its demand, Inaobi pointed out that such extreme measure will only cause more miseries to the students of the hill districts.
When enquired about the counter-measure to be taken up by AISF if the text books burning spree continues, the student activist said it should be the collective responsibility of all the people of Manipur to bring an end to this ugly episode and save the integrity of Manipur and text books prescribed by BSEM.
Observing that a serious threat would be posed to the integrity of Manipur if ANSAM and its associated bodies are left unbridled and allowed to go ahead with burning more text books, the student activist flayed the Govt over its alleged failure on taking up pre-emptive measures, despite having full knowledge of it.
‘We are living in a democratic country does not meant that one can do anything’, he said, wondering what is the meaning of having a Government if it is going to remain silent even in the face of some anti-social elements hell bent on tearing apart the social fabric of Manipur.
Inaobi further observed that Government of Nagaland should not encourage adoption of text books of Nagaland Board in the interest of maintaining cordial relationship between the two neighbouring States.
MLA L Ibomcha; All Manipur Government Higher Secondary Lecturers’ Welfare Association; National Students’ Union of India, Manipur; Proletariat People’s Welfare Organisation, Khurai Lamlong; Students’ Federation of India, Manipur State Committee, etc have also come out strongly against the burning of the text books prescribed by the Manipur Board.
MLA Ibomcha described it as not just burning of the burning but torching the integrity of Manipur.
All Manipur Government Higher Secondary Lecturers’ Welfare Association said the culture of setting aflame books and public properties is not sign of development.
State Unit NSUI stated nothing could be more harmful and unfortunate than confiscating text books and setting them on fire for the student community.
SFI, Manipur State Council said after the burning down of the State Central Library during the Mayek agitation, yesterday’s incident of burning text books in the four hill districts of Manipur has once again made the world to laugh at the foolishness of the Manipuri people.

NISC accepts invitation to experience ground realities

Naga International Support Center (NISC), a Europe based human rights group to support the Naga cause said that its members were happy about the invitation of the secretary of the GPRN of the NSCN (K) and said that it accepts the invitation to experience the ground realities in Nagaland. It urged the NSCN (K) to arrange all that is needed to get visas and remote area permits. Issuing statement to Newmai News Network last night through e-mail, NISC said, "As we understand it, if we may have falsely accused the Govt of India naturally for a good understanding we invite you in turn secretary of the NSCN (K) to show us substantially and convincingly where we have gone wrong. Please also show us why you have entered into a ceasefire with the Govt of India but have not begun peace talks yet?” Furthermore the NISC said that it “is not against or writing against the NSCN (K) per se, on the contrary the NISC is a human rights organization that supports the right to self determination for all Nagas.

Please Mr.secretary (of the NSCN-K) as we see it, the Govt of India has occupied the Naga Homeland and is thus the nation which should, as it has signed the charter of the UNs in which the right to self determination of all people is enshrined, show us the vision, the objectives and the policies of the NSCN (K) through which that goal is to be achieved?” The NISC then stated that since it does not have such written document from organization yet and since it keeps on receiving reports, “which because rightly as you say the ground realities are extremely difficult to verify indeed, which tell that you do collaborate with the Assam Rifles and the Armed Forces of India, we find it almost impossible to grasp where you stand”.

“Now that you say we have falsely accused the Govt of India, though an occupying power, we do invite you to unequivocally share with us why you defend the Govt of India. Please tell us what is your reason for this is?,” asked the NISC. “And yes we do deny strongly your accusation too that we are collaborators in ‘unabated’ killings. In fact we find that insulting as a human rights organization NISC does not condone any killing amongst people anywhere and we make no exception for Nagas of any background,” added the NISC statement.

It said that it abhors and condemns fratricidal killings and appeals to the “good sense of all involved to stop this senseless behavior.” Not only many lives are lost but also it plays into the hand of the occupying nation, added the NISC. “In your cease fire agreement with the Govt of India you have agreed to uphold and protect the law of the land which is nothing but the Constitution of India pure and simple. In what sense are you standing for the Naga national cause? We do not think anybody can fool the Nagas least the NISC,” it asked.

The center then urged the NSCN-K if the latter can send the official text of the ceasefire agreement to the NISC. Lastly the NISC asserted by saying, “ For you information the NISC is not at the behest of anyone so no Muivah, no Phizo no Khaplang either.

Come forward with your objectives to show that you do take it up for the Naga Peoples and their long wished plight for self determination? So, indeed, please arrange a trip to Nagaland for us secretary, arrange the papers that the Govt of India requires and until today has denied us.

UCM lays all blame at the door of Government Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jul 11: Squarely blaming the Government for all the ills dogging the State, the United Committee Manipur today stated that past instances have shown that the writ of the Government does not run in the hill districts at all. In a statement, UCM said that this has come about because of the lack of governance on the part of the Government down the years. The lack of governance is deliberate, said UCM and added that in the politics of vote bank some organisations have been used by armed groups to the extent that they are ready to burn their own history and identity.

The UCM cannot tolerate such a policy, it added. The State Government has recognised 35 communities in Manipur, including Meiteis and Meitei Pangals and there are some other smaller groups. Collective efforts are underway to highlight the identity, language and culture of each of the community to the international forum, said UCM and added that this is included in the educational curriculum. All the communities in Manipur have their own distinct set of identities and language. The tragedy is when a community tries to take refuge in another State which does not accord them their rightful identity, said UCM and recalled how protests were raised when a student from a community in Manipur topped the Nagaland Board on the ground that a person not recognised by Nagaland should not be given the top position.

UCM also recalled how some Tangkhuls were denied entry to Dzuko valley on the ground that the valley belongs to Nagaland. Students are being led the wrong path, asserted UCM and added that this can give complication in the later stages of education such as at the university level, entrance test for MBBS, BE and IT and while claiming scholarships and loans. The State Government does not hesitate to accuse the armed groups of derailing development process, but it should realise that the people are not so gullible and know that development funds have been siphoned under the pretext that they have gone to the coffers of the armed groups, said UCM and added that till date no one has been punished by law for corruption.

Though the cease fire between Delhi and the NSCN (IM) is officially not enforced in Manipur, there is an understanding to this effect, said UCM and added that the mock Welcome to South Nagaland sign, the border dispute with Nagaland and the burning of text books prescribed by the BSEM, is proof that the State Govt has failed on all fronts.

Therefore the need of the hour is to think over the future and not fall into the man made division of Kuki, Naga, Meitei and Meitei Pangal, advised UCM. The Govt on its part should do its duty to ensure calm and tranquillity. The people of Manipur know how the State of Nagaland functions. The Govt of Manipur should realise its duty and make it known to its Nagaland counter part that it will not brook any interference in the internal affairs of the State, said UCM and warned that if it fails to discharge its duties, then the people may come to a point that they do not need a Government at all.
Meet likely to focus on text books issueSource: The Sangai Express
Imphal, Jul 11: The issue related to the agitation of ANSAM to adopt text books prescribed by Nagaland Board in the private schools of the four hill districts of Manipur is likely to be the focal point of discussion during the 4th zonal meeting of the North East Zone of Council and Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) scheduled to be held at Guwahati on July 14 and 15.According to an official source, the 4th zonal meeting of North East Zone of CBSE has been convened jointly by Board of Secondary Education Assam and Assam Higher Secondary Education Council in the backdrop of the agitation being launched in the hill districts of Manipur to adopt text books prescribed by Nagaland Board and subsequent burning of text books prescribed by Manipur Board.

Apart from discussions matter related to the functioning of the National Institute of Open School (NIOS) in the North East region, the meeting would deliberate on the agitation of ANSAM, the official source said, adding that the same has been communicated to the BSEM and COHSEM by the zonal convenor of COBSE and chairman of Nagaland Board Mini Meru.

The Secretaries and the Deputy Secretaries of Manipur Board and Council would be participating in the meeting, the official source said, adding that whatever resolutions taken during the zonal meeting would be put up for discussion at the National level meeting to be held at New Delhi.

While pointing out that the Nagaland Board Act clearly mentions that its curriculum/syllabus cannot be prescribed in other States, the source disclosed that strong objection would be raised from the side of Manipur Board in case the Nagaland Board officials contended that there is no objection in prescribing it text books in schools of other States during the meeting.

Despite holding a meeting with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in the chair to discuss the issue raised by ANSAM, the State Govt has not been able to take a definite decision on the issue nor taken up any concrete measures to contain the problem. According to information received from BSEM, there are in all 56 private schools affiliated to the Board in Senapari district, 19 each in Ukhrul and Chandel district and another 15 in Tamenglong district.

In wake of the ANSAM's agitation, around 80 students from private schools in Ukhrul have sought transmigration to the Government Schools so far, the source said, adding that the number of private school students in Senapati district who have transmigrated to the Government schools is around 4/5 so far.
AISF suspects hidden agenda behind book burning The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, July 12: While expressing concern over burning down of textbooks prescribed by the board of Secondary Education Manipur by some Naga students organisation, All India Student`s Federation, Manipur State Council has asked ANSAM and its allied organisations which are spearheading the current campaign to declare hidden agenda behind the current campaign.

Failure on part of the state government from preventing such undemocratic agitation by some Naga students bodies indicates total breakdown of administration of hill areas, AISF general secretary, Kh Inaobi said in a press conference held today at its office premise.

ANSAM claimed to have termed the current campaign as a part of their noncooperation movement to Manipur government, however the Naga students body should understand that their current campaign has put more burden and miseries to students in the hills.

Expressing concern that the textbook burning incident could blown out of proportion and could even pose serious threat to state`s integrity, the AISF leader cautioned chief minister O Ibobi Singh that the issue needs to be taken seriously and handled delicately.

Asserting that education is a state subject and Nagaland government need not intervene on the issue, the student leader suggested chief minister O Ibobi Singh exchange information regarding the current campaign with Nagaland government.

Terming the ANSAM`s current campaign is anti-state activities, the AISF leader called for immediate solution on the issue.

In the meantime, several civil society organisation has termed the textbook burning incident as unfortunate and takes serious view of the incident.

In a statement, All Manipur Government Higher Secondary Lecturer`s Welfare Association said the incident has shock the entire teaching community, saying the campaign was launched to distract history for the sake of some individualistic section of the society.

The Students Federation of India, Manipur state committee has meanwhile demanded action against the concerned district administrators for failing to prevent the incidents. Yesterday`s incident of textbook burning in three hill districts of Senapati, Chandel and Senapati reveals complete failure of administration in hill areas, the students body alleged and observed that government should not remain a mute spectators to the issue.

The Proletariat People`s Welfare organisation, Khurai Lamlong stongly condemns the burning of books, well approved by Manipur Board by some organisation. The association also criticise the state government for not taking any action against those people.
In the meantime, joining the campaign for use of text books prescribed by Nagaland Board of Secondary Education in private schools in the four districts of Ukhrul, Chandel, Senapati, and Tamenglong, Zeliangrong Student Union, Tamenglong branch today set ablaze around 50 to 60 text books prescribed by Board of Secondary Education Manipur, BSEM, a report said.

The union set ablaze the text books at the traffic point at Tamenglong town, the reported.

Move on to reopen Stilwell Road By A Staff Reporter Assam Tribune
GUWAHATI, July 11 – The Central and State Governments are keen on reopening of the Stilwell Road, which will open up vast opportunities for improving trade ties with the other ASEAN countries, said the Industries and Commerce Minister Pradyut Bordoloi. Replying to a Zero Hour question in the State Assembly, Bordoloi said that the reopening of the road would depend on Myanmar and China. He said that the issue of reopening of the road was one of the major points in the election manifesto of the Congress and recently he had taken up the issue with the Union Commerce Minister, while, the Chief Minister has been taking up the issue with the Union Government.

Bordoloi said that the road was used for centuries for trade ties between the people of India and Myanmar and other neighbouring countries and after the British took the reigns of the country, it was known as the Ledo-Burma road. He said that during the World War II, the allied forces, under the leadership of Joseph Stilwell started reconstructing the road in 1942 to send supplies to China and the project was completed in 1945 and in the month of October that year, a convoy of 150 vehicles started off from Ledo with supplies and reached Kunming in China. He said that with India’s efforts to improve trade ties with the ASEAN countries, the importance of the road increased considerably as it is the shortest road to reach China. He also expressed the hope that the road would be reopened soon to bring the North east region of India closer to the ASEAN countries.

Earlier, raising the issue during the Zero Hour in the State Assembly, Mission Ranjan Das (BJP) referred to the launching of the trade ties with China through the Nathu La Pass and stressed the need for reopening of the Stilwell road to improve trade ties with the neighbouring countries through this region. He said that the India-ASEAN car rally was flagged off from Guwahati and one of the main reasons for holding the rally was to boost trade ties with the neighbouring countries.